Chris Mack and Xavier are pointed toward the Big East after its 18-year run in the Atlantic 10. / Jeff Swinger, The Cincinnati Enquirer

by Cliff Peale and David Woods, USA TODAY Sports

by Cliff Peale and David Woods, USA TODAY Sports

Xavier, Butler and Creighton will make official their move to the Big East Conference on Wednesday in New York, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Indianapolis Star.

The league, created from seven Catholic non-football schools that withdrew from the current Big East, will keep the Big East name and hold its men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Xavier President Father Michael Graham will be in New York for the 11 a.m. ET announcement that also involves Fox Sports 1. The Big East also has been negotiating a television contract with the new network.

Creighton invited the public to a "special event in the history of the University and Creighton athletics" Wednesday morning at the team's arena.

The move for the three schools will boost their already strong basketball profile. The conference will feature powers Georgetown, Villanova and Marquette in addition to St. John's, Providence, Seton Hall and DePaul.

The decision will end the Xavier's long run with Atlantic 10 conference. It joined the league for the 1995-96 academic year.

Creighton also will have a major adjustment. It has been a member of the Missouri Valley Conference since 1976-77.

Butler spent this season in the A-10 after its association with the Horizon League.

Cliff Peale writes for the Cincinnati Enquirer and David Woods writes for the Indianapolis Star. Both properties are owned by Gannett.